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University technology transfer, regional specialization and local dynamics: lessons from Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Rosa Grimaldi

    (University of Bologna)

  • Martin Kenney

    (University of California)

  • Andrea Piccaluga

    (Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna)

Abstract

Academic research on knowledge transfer has focused on the United States, the highest technologies, elite US research universities, and, for the most part, has not considered the interactions between regional firms and low- and medium-technology industries—the industries that are most important in most countries and in Italy, in particular. This Special Issue on knowledge transfer by Italian universities consists of papers that show the multi-faceted roles that Italian universities have developed and, in particular, their strong regional focus. In this introduction, we explore the interplay between universities’ involvement in knowledge transfer and local context and regional specificities. We discuss the variety of channels through which knowledge can flow and emphasize the mechanisms that universities have developed to interact with the lower technology, traditional industries that characterize the Italian economy. We explore the conundrum that Italian universities face as they must balance the competitive demands of academe to publish in international journals, while remaining engaged with local and regional businesses. The papers in this Special Issue examine the knowledge transfer efforts by universities in the very Italian different regions, which have their own different specific opportunities and needs for university engagement.

Suggested Citation

  • Rosa Grimaldi & Martin Kenney & Andrea Piccaluga, 2021. "University technology transfer, regional specialization and local dynamics: lessons from Italy," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 46(4), pages 855-865, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:46:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s10961-020-09804-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-020-09804-7
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    3. Angelo Cavallo & Alessandra Colombelli & Elettra D’Amico & Emilio Paolucci, 2023. "“Balanced” or “polarized” entrepreneurial ecosystem types? Evidence from Italy," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 48(5), pages 1860-1889, October.
    4. Nuria Toledano & Ana Gessa & Reyes Sanchez-Herrera, 2022. "Rethinking the Resources and Responsibilities of University Spin-Offs: Critical Factors in Times of Global Crisis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-18, October.
    5. Giovanni Abramo & Francesca Apponi & Ciriaco Andrea D’Angelo, 2024. "The moderating role of the territorial research infrastructure on the geographic proximity effect in research collaborations: a regional-based view," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 129(6), pages 3149-3168, June.
    6. Alessandra Colombelli & Elettra D’Amico & Emilio Paolucci, 2023. "When computer science is not enough: universities knowledge specializations behind artificial intelligence startups in Italy," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 48(5), pages 1599-1627, October.
    7. Christina Öberg & Christina Grundström, 2024. "Exploring the co-creation-innovativeness paradox: distance as an ecosystem characteristic of university spin-offs," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 13(1), pages 1-17, December.
    8. Daniela Bragoli & Flavia Cortelezzi & Massimiliano Rigon, 2023. "Firms' innovation and university cooperation. New evidence from a survey of Italian firms," Temi di discussione (Economic working papers) 1400, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    9. Marcin Lis, 2021. "Higher Education Institutions as Partners in Growing Innovation of Local Economy," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-19, August.
    10. Fernando Alexandre & Hélder Costa & Ana Paula Faria & Miguel Portela, 2022. "Enhancing University–Industry collaboration: the role of intermediary organizations," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 47(5), pages 1584-1611, October.

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